Ottawa Dog Bite Lawyer
Ontario law concerning dog bites has changed considerably over the last ten years or so. At one time, when an individual was bitten by a dog, they had to prove many things if they wanted to seek compensation for their injury with the help of a skilled lawyer. Now, however, Ontario law heavily favours victims in these cases.
While these cases can be straightforward, an Ottawa dog bite lawyer can move it along quickly, getting victims the compensation they need sooner, so that the recovery process is as smooth as possible.
Dog Bite Laws
Victims of dog bites used to have to prove:
- Negligence on the part of the dog owner
- A history of violence or aggressive behavior with the dog (directly or indirectly)
- There was no provocation on their part
- The dog bite caused injury
Today, however, Ontario law is much different. The Dog Owners Liability Act clearly states that the owner of the dog is responsible for the dog and its actions always.
This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner of the dog is held responsible. However, compensation will only be provided if the bite caused injury.
There are two instances in which the law sides with the dog owner in Ontario.
- When the dog was provoked, such as hit or taunted, before it bit
- When the victim was committing an illegal act at the time, such as breaking into the home of the dog
If a dog bite case makes it to court, compensation will be decided based solely on the discretion of the judge or jury. A dog bite lawyer in Ottawa can help victims get the full compensation they deserve.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
When dogs bite, they can attack just about anywhere. The injuries will often depend on the position of the victim to the dog at the time.
For instance, victims that were kneeling to pet a dog when they were bitten may have cuts and bruises to the face. Someone walking on the sidewalk when a dog ran up and bit them may have cuts and injuries to the legs.
Cuts and bruises are the most common injuries seen with dog bites, along with puncture wounds when the teeth have broken the skin. In most cases these are minor, but some require stitches and in some cases, victims may also suffer broken bones, especially if the dog knocked them over when it attacked.
Some of the most common, and most serious, injuries with dog bites however, are psychological. A single experience with an aggressive dog, especially one that bites, can lead some people to develop a phobia that remains with them for a long time.
How a Lawyer Can Help
While dog bite lawsuits in Ontario are straightforward, a dog bite lawyer in Ottawa can be a great help. They can deal with the insurance company if the dog owner is protected by their homeowner’s insurance, and if the insurance company is offering a settlement, a lawyer can ensure that it is a fair one.
If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog, contact an Ottawa dog bite lawyer that can help. They can make the entire process quicker and easier, so you can focus on your recovery.
